Randy Smith

Air Force

Randy was my husband of 27 years, I was 26 he was 46 when we got married. He was in the Air Force during Vietnam as a Pararescueman. He was part of what they called the Hamilton 5. His jump partner who he was stationed with him in Danang, Bill Pitzenbarger was killed on a mission that was supposed to be Randy’s and the knowledge of that haunted him till his last breath. Randy was the last “Hamilton 5” member to pass. Randy was awarded the Bronze Star, Flying Cross, and so many more. He also received the Purple Heart. Randy passed away with 5 medical conditions due to Agent Orange but even though he knew his service was what was killing him, he would have gone to the front line again if asked. Me and our kids and grandson miss him dearly.

Donald Jay Payne

Navy

“Uncle Don” Donald Jay Payne served during the Korean War as a heavy equipment operator with the US Navy Seebees. A lesser known division of the Navy, the Seabees supported air operations by building and maintaining airfields, roads, and bridges. Their work was critical to initial and ongoing logistics and keeping airfields and routes of transportation operational.  

Charles Massey Girling

Army

Charles Massey Girling, Captain

October 2, 1934 – February 17, 2019

To some he was Captain, to others, Sir. He filled many roles and answered to many names: pa-paw, husband, brother, uncle, friend. But to me… he was Dad. Like many modern families, I have a family forest instead of a tree and am blessed with relationships of the whole, half and step varieties. He and my mom chose each other when I was only 6, and we inherited each other by default… but quickly solidified our own relationship with deep love and affection.

His career in the Army was over long before I knew him but was full of life lessons and stories that he loved to tell. He served in Germany for 2 years of active duty beginning in 1957 and also several years in the reserves after he discharged honorably to pursue his Master’s degree in horticulture at Mississippi State University. In college he was a member of the ROTC Rifle Team and ranked 8^th in the nation.

Dad’s main career was as an executive in the home health care industry and we are so thankful that he was able to be home himself through his end-of-life journey.

Dad was a joke-teller, list-maker, encourager, gardener, Southern gentleman, balcony person, man of faith and veteran. I never had to wonder if he loved me because he told me all the time. Words like that are powerful… magical! They echo over a whole lifetime to the person who receives them. Lucky am I to have been a recipient of his love.